Singapore, 17 Dec 2012 - The National Metrology Centre (NMC), an entity under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), has launched the Measurement Assurance Programme (MAP).
This programme serves to enhance the measurement capabilities of accredited testing and calibration laboratories, so as to raise the overall quality benchmarked to international standards. This will help in building and strengthening confidence among the industry partners in Singapore.
The programme further aims to help improve productivity by minimising manufacturing faults from arising due to poor measurements. Accurate measurements translate to efficient manufacturing processes, hence reducing waste from the production of defective products.
Acting Executive Director of NMC, Dr. Thomas Liew said: “The MAP will provide regular proficiency tests for laboratories to verify their measurement competency as well as help develop their capabilities in compliance with international standards. The MAP will also provide consultancy and training, to help ensure laboratories are capable of making accurate measurements. NMC actively works with our partners to maintain and adhere to high standards of measurement for industries in Singapore.”
NMC launched its MAP initiative to industry partners with a seminar on 12 Dec 2012. The keynote speaker was well known metrologist, Mr. Nobuo Suga, Advisor and Instructor, Mitutoyo Institute of Metrology, Mitutoyo America Corporation.
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Media enquiries:
Esmond Chong
Corporate Communications
Science and Engineering Institutes (SCEI)
DID: +65 6419 6529
Email: esmond-chong@scei.a-star.edu.sg
Technical enquiries:
Victor Tan
Principal Metrologist
National Metrology Centre (NMC)
DID: +65 6279 1958
Email: victor_tan@nmc.a-star.edu.sg
ANNEX : -
Rationale for MAP
There is a Latin saying, “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?”, which is conveyed in English as “who is guarding the guards?.” This saying has value in reminding the industry that even seemingly competent accredited laboratories need to be constantly validated in compliance to stringent international requirements for the assurance of technical competency.
There are three essential elements necessary to ensure that a laboratory generates reliable measurement results. These are:-
i. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standard;
ii. Verification of measurement methods by technical assessors, and
iii. Verification of claimed capabilities by participating in Proficiency Testing (PT).
ISO/IEC 17025 states that it is mandatory for accredited laboratories to participate in PT in their specific areas (if available). Accredited laboratories therefore need to have their quality system and technical competency regularly assessed by experts. It is hence the responsibility of laboratories to show to their clients that they are in compliance to ISO/IEC 17025.
About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector agency that fosters world-class scientific research and talent to drive economic growth and transform Singapore into a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation driven economy. In line with its mission-oriented mandate, A*STAR spearheads research and development in fields that are essential to growing Singapore’s manufacturing sector and catalysing new growth industries. A*STAR supports these economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry.
A*STAR oversees 20 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research entities, located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis as well as their vicinity. These two R&D hubs house a bustling and diverse community of local and international research scientists and engineers from A*STAR’s research entities as well as a growing number of corporate laboratories.
For more information about A*STAR, please visit www.a-star.edu.sg.
About the National Metrology Centre (NMC)
Established in 1975, the National Metrology Centre (NMC) of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) serves as the custodian of the national measurement standards in Singapore. NMC is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the nation’s highest metrology reference standards traceable to the International System of Units (SI) established under the Metre Convention. NMC participates actively in international comparisons with other national metrology institutes and is a signatory of the International Committee for Weights and Measures Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA). NMC provides technical expertise and support in measurement and calibration technologies to the industry, research, government organisations and other end users.